San Jose Bike Party

We chose a theme many of you recommended and we love it!! Dia de los Muertos Ride- October 16th at 8 PM

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. It has been defined as “a festival meant to celebrate life while mocking death, a testimonial to the power of love and remembrance.”

We planned a very unique ride this month! This ride has multiple starting locations so no matter where you come from in San Jose, this ride should work for you. We will be posting the route a day or two before the date of the ride, stay posted.

How We RIde

If you follow these eight rules, Bike Party will be safe and a positive place for riders, drivers, pedestrians, and the community

1. Stay in the right lane when possible. NEVER ride the sidewalk. NEVER ride against oncoming traffic.
2. Pick up your trash, leave nothing behind.
3. Stop at red lights.
4. Ride straight, ride predictability.
5. Roll past conflict.
6. Leave no one behind.
7. Ride sober! It’s illegal and dangerous to ride a bicycle inebriated.
8. Communicate to fellow riders! (We need your help to remind those who aren’t following the rules!)

Stay in the Right Lane

When possible, routes take place down 4-6 lane streets. This allows for the use of one entire lane while allowing for cars to continue using the left lane to pass. This also means avoiding the right hand turn lane, parking areas, and the sidewalk.

Image borrowed from the Midnight Ridazz
With such a large group, we do not want to tie up traffic for hours, let cars pass in the left lane.

In case you weren’t aware, the sidewalk is one of the most dangerous places to ride your bicycle and riding against traffic is STUPID. We don’t want to see you get killed. Please remind your friends who may not realize they are risking their lives to get on the right side of the road.

Pick up your trash, leave nothing behind.

There is nothing that will get San Jose more upset than a trail of trash following our rides. Please make sure you throw away your trash at all points and remind your fellow riders that it is NOT OK to litter.

Stop at all red lights.

Originally San Jose Bike Party stayed mute on the idea of red lights. However, after careful consideration, we decided it is important to stop at red lights because:

It Protects the Ride!

The number one complaint from the community against Bike Party is that we often run red lights. Don’t give the city, angry residents, or anyone a reason to try to shut the ride down.

It Avoids Tickets and Avoids Wrecks!

We don’t want anyone to get hit by a car or have to pay a $300 ticket for running a red light. Be safe and save your money by stopping.

It Models Bicycle Community!

As bicycle riders, we need drivers to respect our rights to share the road. However, in order to get respect, we must also give respect. As such a large visible group, we need to show drivers and fellow riders how to share the road by stopping at red lights.

See how beautiful stopping can be?It Gives More Time to Party!

While stopping at a light, say hello to your neighbors, make a friend, and dance on the street! There is no reason to be in such a rush when it just means more time to party!

Of course, if the police are blocking the intersection for us, follow their directions.

Ride straight, ride predictably!

When bicyclists are all around you, it is important to ride straight and ride predictably. Don’t weave, don’t make sudden turns, and don’t make sudden stops. If you do need to get out of the group, use your hand gestures, move slowly, announce it, and move to the right.

Roll past conflict

If you see an angry driver or pedestrian, roll past it. Don’t engage in shouting matches or violent people. Just enjoy your ride. If you see a fellow cyclist stopped in anger, remind them to “Roll Past Conflict.”

Ride Sober!

It is illegal to drink and ride a bicycle. The law applies just like a DUI. In addition, many riders who are drinking cause bicycle accidents. They harm fellow riders and themselves. Not all parties need alcohol to be fun! Ride sober. Know your limit.

Communicate to Fellow Riders!

As a large group we have to talk to each other to stay safe!

Remind fellow riders to follow the rules. A simple “off the sidewalk” can remind a rider of the danger or a “BOOOO litter” can remind a person that leaving trash behind is not cool.

If you see a pothole, glass in the road, or a danger ahead warn your fellow riders. Yell and point “pot hole” or “glass.” If the ride is stopping ahead, spread the word and PASS IT BACK. If you are passing on the left, let riders know. Spread the word, it is not hard; all you have to do is use your mouth.

Leave no one behind.

When we first started the ride, we would stop everyone for a single flat tire or problem. However, with over 100 riders it is impossible to stop for everyone.

If you see a fellow rider with a flat, with a mechanical failure, with a problem please stop and help them. Have buddies on the ride, make a friend, get a cell phone number. Part of the purpose of San Jose Bike Party is to make friends. There is no better way to meet a new person than to help someone in need.

Also, be prepared when you come to Bike Party. Make sure your tires are pumped, your bike can shift gears, and brakes are working before you come to a ride.

While at the ride, make sure you or a friend has a flat kit and basic tools for emergency maintenance.

Enforcing the rules

The handful of volunteers that organize the rides cannot be the only ones who enforce the rules. It is impossible. We need EVERYONE to speak up!

No one wants to be an authority figure but the only way to keep this ride going and safe is to be vocal about the rules of the road. A simple “Stay to the right” is often enough to remind a rider that he or she is slipping. If you see a knucklehead throwing a bottle or littering simply boo that person. It’s called community shaming. When everyone participates, it really works.